Pintler Ranger District Enters into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

The Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest will be entering into Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning midnight August 28, 2012 and will remain in place until further notice. Most of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF had previously entered into restrictions in June due to high fire danger and ongoing fire activity.

“It’s been hot and extremely dry for most of this summer and it’s important for everyone to help do their part to prevent human caused fires,” commented Forest Supervisor Dave Myers. “Fire season is not over yet and we need to be very careful with fire.”

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following activities on national forest system lands:

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren and cleared of all flammable material.

Even the smallest spark has the potential to cause significant damage, so please do your part to prevent wildfires: exercise caution by making sure to only smoke in areas that meet Stage 1 criteria and crush cigarettes dead out, never leave any type of fire unattended and make sure it is dead out before you leave. Take precautions while recreating on public lands by not parking on or driving over dry vegetation.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal or coal fire unless noted in the exemptions below:

Devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device are allowed.

The Lee Metcalf and the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness areas are exempt from this order.

Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Approved stoves must be operated only in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the stove.